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honeymoon

My son and his fiance are just beginning to toss around honeymoon ideas. First thought was to fly from Texas to Spain (Madrid or Barcelona), then fly to Italy. They are 25 yrs and very active. They love to get out and walk, try things, eat good food and drink wine. I had mentioned Amalfi coast cities in Italy. Does anyone have any experiences to share? They would like to stay somewhat on a budget - whether to fly direct, best deals, train ideas...etc. He has been to Barcelona while in college, but she hasn't. Any thoughts on choice between Barcelona or Madrid - were thinking of just staying 2 days in Spain - so need to narrow it down to one city. Thanks for any experiences!! (Originally they were thinking 2 weeks, but may do 10 days)

25 and on a honeymoon! I guess it will all come down to what their interest are. Both Italy and Spain offer everything they could possibly want, but I lean toward Spain, especially when it comes to food and wine, but that is only my opinion. Budget wise, they would probably be better off in Spain (depending on where they want to stay). Depending on the time of year, Barcelona may be their best bet, as it will give them the best taste of a great cosmopolitan city.

Amalfi coast would make sense in spring or summer, it would not in late autum or winter. Two days in Barcelona - it boils down to one night, and maybe jet lag to cope with - does not make sense at all.

Spain for 2 nights is a waste. The only place to fly direct from Texas is Madrid (for 25 year-olds, Barcelona > Madrid and it's not close) and the overnight flight means jet lag for the first day. If they want to go to Italy, they will have a connection, period. Do NOT connect back to the US through Miami, its airport is a complete pit.

If they're thinking of flying and flopping on a beach, go to the Caribbean where the beaches are far superior to what Barcelona or the Amalfi Coast offer.

This says nothing: "They love to get out and walk, try things, eat good food and drink wine." Italy has better food and wine than Spain, although others may disagree (it's far harder to find a bad meal in Italy). They could get out and walk, try things and consume just about anywhere in Europe, the US, the Caribbean, South America, Australia, etc.

This is meaningless: "They would like to stay somewhat on a budget." Everyone has a budget, even Bill Gates. What are the actual $ figures for lodging per night?

With 10 days, I would not suggest traveling from Spain to Italy, and I would never suggest only 2 nights for one place before flying to another.
Spain will be vastly more economical, unless they stick to small towns in Italy.
They need to narrow down what they want and then the specifics can be worked out.

With that little amount of time I would choose 2 locations, probably in the same country, at least two places that are easily connected by train or direct flight. Then split the time equally. Otherwise you spend way too much time in transit from place to place rather than actually enjoying where you are. Remember 2 nights is 1 full day - definitely not enough in any major city in Europe, especially with potentially jet lag.

I will put in a vote for some time on the Amalfi Coast. I have traveled extensively in Italy and IMO it is the most romantic and picturesque places in Italy.

I prefer Positano, as it is the most picturesque, has lots of great restaurants and shops, good selection of beaches, great transportation options to the other towns (not cities) via ferry and some nightlife. Pensione Maria Luisa gets great reviews and is a "budget" place by Amalfi Coast standards.

With 10 days, I would suggest a week in Positano (doing day trips via ferry to Capri, Amalfi, Ravello, etc.) and the remaining 3 days in Rome.

With such limited time, money and jetlag, I would not consider splitting the time between two countries.

We just honeymooned there in April. I was torn between staying in Positano or Sorrento. In the end, we decided Sorrento based on the location. We felt that it was a bit easier to access and allow us to explore easily. From there, we traveled easily to Capri, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast. It is a beautiful town, a bit bigger than Positano.

If I were going back, I would have absolutely no problem staying in Sorrento, but Positano is absolutely beautiful. I wouldn't mind staying there for a few nights!

We might have lost you all because everyone has an opinion. I took my two daughters to Italy when they were in college so I kind of understand the age requirements and what they like.
Fly to Rome---it is a magical city and everyone must go to Rome once in their life. Second city--Florence--full of art, charm and wine and romance (afterall it is their honeymoon). If you want a third place--Cinque Terre (a place to hike, be on the beach if you want)another magical place. That should wrap it up. Take a train to your exit destination.
Another trip would be to go to Venice!! Talk about romance and adventure. On our trip we were in Italy for two weeks so we did go to Venice also. If you want more information and we have not lost you, let me know.

I would definitely choose Italy over Spain, and pick two destinations in 10 days. Rome and Florence, or Venice. Or Lake Como, also very beautiful and romantic (depends on time of year though). Or Amalfi coast and Rome. So many lovely places, don't spend your time hopping around Europe, stick to one country, 2 destinations in that country.